Cash has negative impacts on the environment in several ways, including:
- Pollution: The production of banknotes and coins requires the use of materials such as paper, plastic and metal. These materials can contaminate air, water and soil.
- Waste: Banknotes and coins deteriorate over time and become waste. This waste can end up in landfills or the oceans, contaminating the environment.
- Currency Exchange: Currency exchange is a process that requires the transportation of bills and coins from one country to another. This transport causes greenhouse gas emissions.
A world without banknotes and coins would eliminate these negative environmental impacts. Digital payments do not require physical materials and therefore do not harm the environment. Additionally, digital payments are more efficient than cash payments, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Of course, the use of digital money also has an impact on the environment. Electronic devices for digital payments require energy, which can produce greenhouse gas emissions. However, this impact is smaller than the impact of cash.
In general, a world without notes and coins would be more ecological than the world today. Digital payments would reduce pollution, waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
How a world without notes and coins would be more ecological:
- Paper consumption would be reduced. Banknotes and coins are made of paper that requires trees to produce. A world without banknotes and coins would reduce the demand for paper and thus help protect forests.
- The need for transportation would be reduced. Banknotes and coins are exchanged from one country to another to facilitate international trade. A world without notes and coins would eliminate this need and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- More safety: Digital money is safer than physical money because it is harder to counterfeit and steal.
- Greater efficiency: Digital payments are faster and easier than cash payments.
- More transparency: Digital payments are more trackable, which can help fight fraud and tax evasion.
Of course, the transition to a world without notes and coins would not be perfect. There are some challenges that need to be addressed, such as financial inclusion and cybersecurity. However, the potential environmental benefits are significant.
Challenges:
- Financial inclusion: Digital money can exclude people who don’t have access to bank accounts or mobile devices.
- Cybersecurity: Digital payments are more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
- Cost: Digital payments can involve additional costs for consumers and businesses.
- Changes in banking: Banks would need to adapt to a cashless world, which could include closing branches or developing new products and services.
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies are emerging as one of the payment options in an increasingly digitalized world. Although the process of purchasing can be quite simple, as all you have to do is go to a website like Immediate Edge and make the transaction, the transactions have not yet been sufficiently simplified and face some unique challenges.
The cryptocurrency payment process can be simplified in several ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Improve user experience: Cryptocurrency wallets and payment gateways can improve user experience by making the payment process simpler and more intuitive. For example, wallets could offer a simpler interface and payment gateways could provide clearer instructions.
- Reduce commissions: Cryptocurrency transaction fees can be high, which can discourage people from using them. Cryptocurrency networks can work to reduce fees, or payment companies can offer discounts to consumers.
- Expand acceptance: Companies can increase acceptance of cryptocurrencies by offering them as a payment method in more places. This can include physical stores, websites and apps.
Below are some concrete examples of how the cryptocurrency payment process could be simplified:
- Cryptocurrency wallets could offer a one-click payment feature. This would allow users to pay with cryptocurrency without having to enter their wallet address or the amount to be paid.
- Payment gateways could provide an API that allows businesses to easily integrate cryptocurrency payments into their websites or applications. This would make it easier for companies to accept cryptocurrencies without having to develop their own system.
- Governments could issue state-backed digital currencies. This would make cryptocurrencies more accessible and reliable for consumers.
The introduction of these measures could help make cryptocurrency payments easier and more convenient for consumers and businesses. This could lead to increasing use of cryptocurrencies as a means of payment.
Countries moving towards a cashless world:
- Sweden: Sweden is a pioneering country in the use of digital payments. In 2021, 99% of purchases in the country were made using card or phone.
- China: China is also rapidly moving towards a cashless world. In 2022, 86% of purchases in the country were made using digital payments.
- South Korea: South Korea is another country that is quickly adopting digital payments. In 2022, 78% of purchases in the country were made using digital payments.
The use of digital money is expected to continue to increase in the coming years. However, cash is unlikely to disappear completely. There will always be people who prefer cash, whether for security reasons, convenience or personal reasons.